After just three months at the helm of the Philippine National Police (PNP), Chief Nicolas Torre III has been removed from his post.
In a press briefing, Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla confirmed that President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. made the decision to remove Torre, stressing that it was in respect of the authority of the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM).
According to sources, Torre allegedly sought to reassign several senior officials within the police force — a move firmly opposed by Remulla.
“The President believes that national security apparatus must always work within the framework of the law,” Remulla said.
He added:
“With the recent developments, the President must be presented with the facts and he determined that the best course of action is to uphold the role of Napolcom as it was intended by law.”
Remulla admitted that it was a heavy decision for Marcos to remove Torre but said it was necessary for the sake of the nation.
“The President is committed to ensuring a unified direction and collaboration across all areas in his Cabinet, particularly those responsible for delivering security, peace, and order,” he emphasized.
Remulla clarified that Torre is not facing any administrative or criminal cases.
Torre will be replaced by PLt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., one of the senior officials Torre had intended to reassign. Nartatez previously served as Deputy Chief of Administration of the PNP before Torre transferred him to Western Mindanao as Area Police Commander.
Torre rose to public prominence after leading high-profile PNP operations, including the arrest of televangelist Apollo Quiboloy and former President Rodrigo Duterte, who now faces charges of crimes against humanity before the International Criminal Court (ICC).
As of now, Torre has yet to issue a statement on his removal or his next role under the Marcos administration.